Can Gemma 4 31B run on Mac mini M6 16GB?
NO — Won’t fit
Q4_K_M · 4K context · formula estimate
What this means
The checked Q4_K_M build needs about 22.2GB, above this Mac's conservative 13GB working budget.
−9.2GB short
above the working budget
22.2GB
needed at Q4_K_M
Q4_K_M
quant selected
0GB
working headroom
needs 22.2 GBworking budget 13 GB · short 9.2 GB
Where the memory goes
| Component | Detail | GB |
|---|---|---|
| Model weights | Q4_K_M GGUF (18.3 GB) + mmap overhead | 19.2 |
| KV cache | 4K context window | 2.2 |
| Runtime | macOS inference app + compute buffers | 0.8 |
| Total needed | at Q4_K_M, 4K context | 22.2 |
| Working budget | 16 GB unified memory − conservative macOS reserve | 13 |
| Headroom | memory shortfall | −9.2 |
Pick your quant
| Quant | Download | Memory | Estimated speed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3_K_M | 14.7 GB | 18.4 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| IQ4_XS | 16.4 GB | 20.2 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q4_0 | 17.3 GB | 21.1 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q4_K_S | 17.4 GB | 21.2 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q4_K_M ★ | 18.3 GB | 22.2 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q5_K_M | 21.7 GB | 25.8 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q6_K | 25.2 GB | 29.4 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q8_0 | 32.6 GB | 37.2 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
Other models on this Mac
Gemma 4 31B on other Mac mini M6 configurations
FAQ
Can the Mac mini M6 · 16GB run Gemma 4 31B?
Not with the quants currently tracked. The selected Q4_K_M build needs about 22.2GB, above the 13GB working budget.
Which Gemma 4 31B quant should I use on this Mac?
None of the tracked quants fit this configuration safely. Choose a smaller model or a Mac with more unified memory.
Which app should I use for Gemma 4 31B on this Mac?
Start with LM Studio. This page gives the complete point-and-click walkthrough.
Are these speeds measured on a Mac mini M6?
No. The range is a formula estimate based on memory bandwidth, model size, active parameters, cooling, and a 4K context. The app, backend, thermals, and prompt can change real performance.